A former Grade-II listed chapel could be transformed into a children’s soft play centre after plans were submitted to Gwynedd Council.

Capel Salem has stood on Porthmadog high street since 1827, being rebuilt in 1860, but would see a major transformation under the plans.

The move, according to the applicants, would create eight full-time and four part-time jobs and be available for children’s parties as well as pay and play sessions.

The supporting documents for the application, which has now been submitted to Gwynedd Council by Arnaud Pollet-Thiollier, say there is no similar facility within a 15-mile radius.

“A study has been made of relevant local competition, the target area both geographically and demographically, the local public transport and highways infrastructure and has concluded that the proposed site is of the correct size and is well located.

“The facility will provide a multi-faceted play environment for children, which will encourage exercise, thought and interaction with other children in the play process.

“Additionally, the design ethic of the play equipment is to provide features which encourage children to undertake the full range of activities generally undertaken in physical play: climbing, running, sliding, squeezing, crawling, rolling etc.

“This encouragement in physical play will implicitly contribute to increasing the physical activity of children visiting the facility and therefore implicitly provide a benefit to health.”

It added: “The applicant has searched for appropriate premises for some considerable time in recognition that the proposed use does not currently exist and that the development of a play centre would bring a new and unique leisure offer to local residents.”

The independent chapel was given Grade-II listed status for its special architectural interest, but was sold  after the final services were held there last year.

Local councillor, Nia Jeffreys, said the community response so far has been very positive.

She said: “After a very difficult time for the High Street this proposal and investment is a vote of confidence in Porthmadog. It will be great to see something new for children in the town – and a venture that will be good for local people as well as visitors.

“This is an exciting development, although tinged with a little sadness – many of us have fond memories of Sunday school, family weddings, Christenings and funerals at Capel Salem.

“It is an iconic building right in the centre of the town and although it will no longer be used as a place of worship I am pleased that the congregation of Capel Salem continued to meet in the vestry before the Covid crisis.

“Of course -the devil will be in the detail – but I am sure by working together we can get the best for the town and I look forward to this exciting new development in Porthmadog.”

It’s expected that Gwynedd Council’s planning department will discuss the application over the coming weeks.